The Toon v Spurs

[Deleted]

Following the International break for Euro 2012 qualifiers The Mags return to Premier League duty this weekend at SJP.

The visitors for what many pundits are calling The Toons first real test are Spurs...............

From what I have read recently The Mags may as well not turn up as they are bound to lose to a so called resurgent Spuds led by their manager and media darling Appy Arry. Okay Spurs are a decent side with some quality players, however IMO they are there to be beaten like any other team coming to SJP. There's a resilience about The Toon currently which means they are not going to roll over very easily, certainly not with a home crowd roaring them on.

The pro Spurs bandwagon have also jumped on to recent stories about Cabaye the Lad and Demba Ba being missing for this game.....................oops! Amazing how that can be a factor for NUFC yet a whole boat load of Spuds players with injuries can be ignored.

There are some other things which may interest those who are so confident of a North London victory...................

This is the first time that Newcastle have gone 10 games unbeaten in the top flight since August 1997. (W5 D5)

Spurs have scored exactly one goal on each of their last six visits to St James Park in the Premier League.

Newcastle have won four and lost none of their last five Premier League matches against Tottenham at St James Park.

If Spurs win this match, they will equal their best ever run of successive victories in the Premier League era (five), which they have done four times before.

Aaron Lennon scored in both meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League last season.

Demba Ba has scored 11 goals in 14 Premier League starts.

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League matches at home to London sides, but five of those games have been draws.

Spurs have won only one of their last nine trips to play teams from the north east in the Premier League (W1 D3 L5).

Only the top three sides in the Premier League have scored more goals than Tottenham this season, despite the fact that Spurs have played one game fewer than most teams.

Newcastle have conceded fewer goals than any other side in the Premier League this season and the fewest after seven games of any previous season in the top flight other than 1995-96 and 1900-01, where they had shipped just three.

On paper it looks very much like a battle between their forwards and our defence although personally I don't think it will be.

Up front the killer B's have more than enough between them to cause a weakened Spuds back four problems. In midfield Cabaye the Lad and Mr T will give as good as they get from Modric and co. Defensively our central pairing are proving to be the mean machine along with Krul behind them. If anywhere it's the full backs which could be in for another hard day at the office. So far they have got away with some hard graft and a huge slice of luck. Spurs are set up to play a counter attacking game. On Sunday Danny and Ryan will be up against two players with pace to burn in Bale and Lennon. It's here I would make the only change by giving Santon his debut. The Italian Stallion has played two full games in six days for the U21's proving his fitness.

Should Santon play I reckon The Toon can edge this one by the odd goal although a draw is probably shorter odds and more likely.

Here is my team for Sunday's showdown............

Krul

Simpson, Saylor, Colo, Santon

Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Jonas,

Ba, Best

Bench: Elliott, Taylor, Perch, Marveaux, Ben Arfa, Stroller, Sameobi.

What do you think?

CWL

[Captain Marvel]

Although I am going for a draw I do fancy a 2-1 result, hopefully Marevelous Marveaux will start in place of Jonas who has had a much longer journey back from international duty. I also expect Benny to get on for at least half the game. I firmly believe the totties are going to find we are no pushover................
ATB

[Deleted]

I figured out with my prediction it will be a goal every 2.3 minutes......should be an interesting spectacle..........

[Deleted]

All,

for those of you unable to attend games at Gallowgate for whatever reason here is the fourth of my match accounts for this season, including personal thoughts as a Newcastle supporter as the day’s events unfolded both outside and inside St James Park.

The build up to this fixture against Spurs had been going on all week so it was no surprise to find myself waking up early and champing at the bit to get into The Toon. Journalists, TV pundits and various other informed people about the game were all of the opinion this was to be the first real test of the season for The Mags. The guff written about the false position of fourth, the unbeaten run, Newcastle United are nothing but lucky and the multitude of other nonsense would finally all be put to bed. Once ‘The Spuds’ had put us back in our rightful place lower down the pecking order with a certain defeat.

If there is one thing that is bound to get the blood, boiling of any Geordie or Toon supporter before a game it is reading such crap. So following some sincere apologies to houseguests and a very understanding good lady I finally got my wish and set off for The Toon.

Pre match training comprised of meeting Leazes in the LYH for the Gooners v Makems fixture. Having selected a very fine ale we got comfortable to watch what developed………..twenty-eight seconds later laughing delightedly as Van Persie waltzed past a static Unwashed defence to smack the ball into the back of the net for one nil! Ten minutes later, he nearly made it two with a fantastic piece of skill only to hit the post. You cannot beat seeing your greatest rival receiving the run around to raise spirits higher.

Naturally, conversation turned to our game and despite the hype about an easy win for The North London side, we were both not so sure and fancied The Lads to take it by the odd goal. Things took a backward step at that moment as Larsson scored a screamer from a free kick to draw the Makems level. With the training going well we enjoyed another moment of hilarity as Clattermole missed from two yards out with a header. This part of the day ending perfectly with another skilful demonstration from Van Persie this time from a free kick every bit as good if not better than that scored by Larsson. On the final whistle knowing 5under1and were now fourth bottom we headed off to the ground.

Entry to the ground was very similar to that of the Blackburn game and did make me think was the attendance going to be similar. The game was being televised so many may have decided not to bother again despite the unbeaten tag and quality of the opposition.

Now inside the ground we took time out to see what the team sheet revealed. As expected APee retained the same line up as for the victory against Wolves, although the bench this time included Davide Santon and Danny Gosling along with the returning Stroller.

Leazes was sitting two rows behind me for this game and we both commented as we made our way to our seats about the empty spaces in the away section. Spurs travelling support is decent but it was obvious it was no sell out. That said there is still a large number of Toon supporters yet to return to SJP.

The game kicked off with The Mags attacking the Leazes End. Spurs playing a 4 5 1 formation with Adebayor up front as the lone striker and a five man midfield comprising of Bale, Modric, Parker, Van de Vaart and Livermore. This was always going to make it difficult against our central pairing of Mr T and Cabaye the Lad and so it proved as the first half proceeded. To be honest it was not great to watch although from a tactical perspective was fascinating as the Toons midfielders worked tirelessly to chase down Modric who was pulling all the strings for Spurs as his colleagues used the entire width of SJP to try and gain an advantage. Tiote was proving awesome and at times appeared to be everywhere across the pitch. Bale showed flashes down the right but did not appear as threatening as had been predicted, Raylor and Jonas working in tandem to stifle the Welshman. Both teams were also guilty of some sloppy play giving the ball away quite a bit and the defensive midfield pair of Tiote and Parker winning most of the battles for the respective sides.

With five minutes to go to half time Cabaye was caught in possession and that allowed Adebayor to advance towards the goal area. Saylors attempt to stop the big man proving too little too late as his poor challenge caused the big fellow to hit the deck. From where I was in the ground it looked as if Adebayor had dived and to a degree for a while I though that was the case. Referee Lee Probert taking what seemed like an age to make his mind up, before finally pointing to the spot for a penalty kick. The decision almost lost in the chorus of boos from the terraces. Much to his credit Van de Vaart calmly slotting home the kick for the opening goal and a one nil lead for Spurs.

As you would expect most of the talk at half time involved the penalty decision and would or could The Lads come back from going a goal down. Also at the break, former Toon players Olivier Bernard, John Beresford and Les Ferdinand came on for a Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame presentation.

If the first half had been a slow burner, the second got off to a blazing start. With barely three minutes gone on the clock The Toon drew level. Demba Ba getting his fifth goal of the season following a sensational mazy run from Jonas that left the Spurs defence in tatters. The crowd went ballistic and now it was game on at one all.

The second half became a much more even affair with The Toon midfield giving as good as they got from Spurs, although both sides were still guilty on occasions of giving the ball away cheaply. Bale had for some reason or other now moved across to the left hand side to run at Danny Simpson. I could only surmise this was because he had no joy from attacking the dynamic duo of Jonas and Raylor. Mr T and Parker were still going at it like two prizefighters in midfield in a no holds barred contest.

With just under twenty minutes played of the second half Harry Redknapp decided to sacrifice a midfielder for another forward and revert to a 4 4 2 formation in an attempt to win the game, with Defoe coming on for goal scorer Van de Vaart. Five minutes later that decision looked inspired as Defoe picked up a loose ball and fired in a snap left foot shot to make it two one to the visitors.

Three minutes late APee made his changes in a double substitution of Ba/Best for Stroller/Ben Arfa.

The game was real end-to-end stuff now and the crowd were roaring Newcastle on to get back on level terms. To add further excitement APee withdrew Danny Simpson to give Davide Santon his debut from off the bench. The Italian Stallion slotting in at right back looking composed, playing neat and tidy as Bale drifted out of the game. However, Defoe continued to look sharp right to the end and with the Mags defence needing to keep on their toes as Krul stood up big to defy the small striker from getting his second and possible match winner.

Yet the culminating moment of this game came from a much-maligned player who IMO no matter what many supporters may think of him is destined to become a Cult Hero. Step up to the plate Shola ‘Stroller’ Ameobi! This big fellow on his day can be the most annoying player there is to watch in a Black and White shirt. Looking completely useless one minute he can then do something quite unexpected which belies what you have already seen hence becoming a real hand full for any defence. Such was his goal against Spurs. Stroller quite simply tormented Bassong and Co for the last twenty minutes of this game with his physical presence. Ben Arfa was doing all the clever bits and Stroller dragging the defenders everywhere. As the clock reached eighty-six minutes and with The Toon Army in full voice screaming the team forward Stroller gave us all a wonderful moment. Brushing off his marker as though not there he moved into the box and struck as sweet a left foot shot past Friedel as you could wish to see. SJP erupted and the roar could have been heard all the way down the M1 to North London where the Makems were possibly still busy drowning their sorrows.

With both teams, still looking for a winner, it finally ended two all, but not before Defoe had his chance and Colo put one wide of the post at The Gallowgate End.

After that second half display I was left exuberant, breathless and with a sore throat in desperate need of a beer. Much credit goes to both teams and managers for serving up an old-fashioned game.

Positives………….they just continue to come. If this was the first real test of our season so far against Spurs then The Lads passed with flying colours. The Toon did not win, however they did not lose either when many expected them to do so. APee is making the right calls at the right time and the players are responding. The spirit and self-belief among the players is infectious and now building tangibly among the support.

Negatives...................The empty seats!

One final thing………. seeing Cabaye standing on his own at the end of the match, shirt off looking at the Gallowgate corner and applauding the crowd as they left will stick with me for a long time. The guy just did not want to leave the field, despite not having his best game for us, but never ever once, did he hide or stop running for the cause. That will more than do for me………….

Next up Wigan at Home...............can’t wait!

CWL

[Captain Marvel]

Oct 18, 2011 14:00:06 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

All,

for those of you unable to attend games at Gallowgate for whatever reason here is the fourth of my match accounts for this season, including personal thoughts as a Newcastle supporter as the day’s events unfolded both outside and inside St James Park.

The build up to this fixture against Spurs had been going on all week so it was no surprise to find myself waking up early and champing at the bit to get into The Toon. Journalists, TV pundits and various other informed people about the game were all of the opinion this was to be the first real test of the season for The Mags. The guff written about the false position of fourth, the unbeaten run, Newcastle United are nothing but lucky and the multitude of other nonsense would finally all be put to bed. Once ‘The Spuds’ had put us back in our rightful place lower down the pecking order with a certain defeat.

If there is one thing that is bound to get the blood, boiling of any Geordie or Toon supporter before a game it is reading such crap. So following some sincere apologies to houseguests and a very understanding good lady I finally got my wish and set off for The Toon.

Pre match training comprised of meeting Leazes in the LYH for the Gooners v Makems fixture. Having selected a very fine ale we got comfortable to watch what developed………..twenty-eight seconds later laughing delightedly as Van Persie waltzed past a static Unwashed defence to smack the ball into the back of the net for one nil! Ten minutes later, he nearly made it two with a fantastic piece of skill only to hit the post. You cannot beat seeing your greatest rival receiving the run around to raise spirits higher.

Naturally, conversation turned to our game and despite the hype about an easy win for The North London side, we were both not so sure and fancied The Lads to take it by the odd goal. Things took a backward step at that moment as Larsson scored a screamer from a free kick to draw the Makems level. With the training going well we enjoyed another moment of hilarity as Clattermole missed from two yards out with a header. This part of the day ending perfectly with another skilful demonstration from Van Persie this time from a free kick every bit as good if not better than that scored by Larsson. On the final whistle knowing 5under1and were now fourth bottom we headed off to the ground.

Entry to the ground was very similar to that of the Blackburn game and did make me think was the attendance going to be similar. The game was being televised so many may have decided not to bother again despite the unbeaten tag and quality of the opposition.

Now inside the ground we took time out to see what the team sheet revealed. As expected APee retained the same line up as for the victory against Wolves, although the bench this time included Davide Santon and Danny Gosling along with the returning Stroller.

Leazes was sitting two rows behind me for this game and we both commented as we made our way to our seats about the empty spaces in the away section. Spurs travelling support is decent but it was obvious it was no sell out. That said there is still a large number of Toon supporters yet to return to SJP.

The game kicked off with The Mags attacking the Leazes End. Spurs playing a 4 5 1 formation with Adebayor up front as the lone striker and a five man midfield comprising of Bale, Modric, Parker, Van de Vaart and Livermore. This was always going to make it difficult against our central pairing of Mr T and Cabaye the Lad and so it proved as the first half proceeded. To be honest it was not great to watch although from a tactical perspective was fascinating as the Toons midfielders worked tirelessly to chase down Modric who was pulling all the strings for Spurs as his colleagues used the entire width of SJP to try and gain an advantage. Tiote was proving awesome and at times appeared to be everywhere across the pitch. Bale showed flashes down the right but did not appear as threatening as had been predicted, Raylor and Jonas working in tandem to stifle the Welshman. Both teams were also guilty of some sloppy play giving the ball away quite a bit and the defensive midfield pair of Tiote and Parker winning most of the battles for the respective sides.

With five minutes to go to half time Cabaye was caught in possession and that allowed Adebayor to advance towards the goal area. Saylors attempt to stop the big man proving too little too late as his poor challenge caused the big fellow to hit the deck. From where I was in the ground it looked as if Adebayor had dived and to a degree for a while I though that was the case. Referee Lee Probert taking what seemed like an age to make his mind up, before finally pointing to the spot for a penalty kick. The decision almost lost in the chorus of boos from the terraces. Much to his credit Van de Vaart calmly slotting home the kick for the opening goal and a one nil lead for Spurs.

As you would expect most of the talk at half time involved the penalty decision and would or could The Lads come back from going a goal down. Also at the break, former Toon players Olivier Bernard, John Beresford and Les Ferdinand came on for a Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame presentation.

If the first half had been a slow burner, the second got off to a blazing start. With barely three minutes gone on the clock The Toon drew level. Demba Ba getting his fifth goal of the season following a sensational mazy run from Jonas that left the Spurs defence in tatters. The crowd went ballistic and now it was game on at one all.

The second half became a much more even affair with The Toon midfield giving as good as they got from Spurs, although both sides were still guilty on occasions of giving the ball away cheaply. Bale had for some reason or other now moved across to the left hand side to run at Danny Simpson. I could only surmise this was because he had no joy from attacking the dynamic duo of Jonas and Raylor. Mr T and Parker were still going at it like two prizefighters in midfield in a no holds barred contest.

With just under twenty minutes played of the second half Harry Redknapp decided to sacrifice a midfielder for another forward and revert to a 4 4 2 formation in an attempt to win the game, with Defoe coming on for goal scorer Van de Vaart. Five minutes later that decision looked inspired as Defoe picked up a loose ball and fired in a snap left foot shot to make it two one to the visitors.

Three minutes late APee made his changes in a double substitution of Ba/Best for Stroller/Ben Arfa.

The game was real end-to-end stuff now and the crowd were roaring Newcastle on to get back on level terms. To add further excitement APee withdrew Danny Simpson to give Davide Santon his debut from off the bench. The Italian Stallion slotting in at right back looking composed, playing neat and tidy as Bale drifted out of the game. However, Defoe continued to look sharp right to the end and with the Mags defence needing to keep on their toes as Krul stood up big to defy the small striker from getting his second and possible match winner.

Yet the culminating moment of this game came from a much-maligned player who IMO no matter what many supporters may think of him is destined to become a Cult Hero. Step up to the plate Shola ‘Stroller’ Ameobi! This big fellow on his day can be the most annoying player there is to watch in a Black and White shirt. Looking completely useless one minute he can then do something quite unexpected which belies what you have already seen hence becoming a real hand full for any defence. Such was his goal against Spurs. Stroller quite simply tormented Bassong and Co for the last twenty minutes of this game with his physical presence. Ben Arfa was doing all the clever bits and Stroller dragging the defenders everywhere. As the clock reached eighty-six minutes and with The Toon Army in full voice screaming the team forward Stroller gave us all a wonderful moment. Brushing off his marker as though not there he moved into the box and struck as sweet a left foot shot past Friedel as you could wish to see. SJP erupted and the roar could have been heard all the way down the M1 to North London where the Makems were possibly still busy drowning their sorrows.

With both teams, still looking for a winner, it finally ended two all, but not before Defoe had his chance and Colo put one wide of the post at The Gallowgate End.

After that second half display I was left exuberant, breathless and with a sore throat in desperate need of a beer. Much credit goes to both teams and managers for serving up an old-fashioned game.

Positives………….they just continue to come. If this was the first real test of our season so far against Spurs then The Lads passed with flying colours. The Toon did not win, however they did not lose either when many expected them to do so. APee is making the right calls at the right time and the players are responding. The spirit and self-belief among the players is infectious and now building tangibly among the support.

Negatives...................The empty seats!

One final thing………. seeing Cabaye standing on his own at the end of the match, shirt off looking at the Gallowgate corner and applauding the crowd as they left will stick with me for a long time. The guy just did not want to leave the field, despite not having his best game for us, but never ever once, did he hide or stop running for the cause. That will more than do for me………….

Next up Wigan at Home...............can’t wait!

CWL

One thing is certain mate you should be a journalist your report is not just good it is brilliant, and is worthy of far better than this forum, keep it up.

ATB(almost forgot)!!

[Deleted]

Struggled to find a decent Spurs viewpoint following the weekends game............... most just bitched on about their injury situation or the fact The Toons unbeaten run will end soon...........

This was about as good as anything I did read........

www.spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7510308

Any thoughts..........?

CWL

[Fairscup]

Oct 18, 2011 20:25:19 GMT 1 Captain Marvel said:

Oct 18, 2011 14:00:06 GMT 1 @clearwhitelight said:

All,

for those of you unable to attend games at Gallowgate for whatever reason here is the fourth of my match accounts for this season, including personal thoughts as a Newcastle supporter as the day’s events unfolded both outside and inside St James Park.

The build up to this fixture against Spurs had been going on all week so it was no surprise to find myself waking up early and champing at the bit to get into The Toon. Journalists, TV pundits and various other informed people about the game were all of the opinion this was to be the first real test of the season for The Mags. The guff written about the false position of fourth, the unbeaten run, Newcastle United are nothing but lucky and the multitude of other nonsense would finally all be put to bed. Once ‘The Spuds’ had put us back in our rightful place lower down the pecking order with a certain defeat.

If there is one thing that is bound to get the blood, boiling of any Geordie or Toon supporter before a game it is reading such crap. So following some sincere apologies to houseguests and a very understanding good lady I finally got my wish and set off for The Toon.

Pre match training comprised of meeting Leazes in the LYH for the Gooners v Makems fixture. Having selected a very fine ale we got comfortable to watch what developed………..twenty-eight seconds later laughing delightedly as Van Persie waltzed past a static Unwashed defence to smack the ball into the back of the net for one nil! Ten minutes later, he nearly made it two with a fantastic piece of skill only to hit the post. You cannot beat seeing your greatest rival receiving the run around to raise spirits higher.

Naturally, conversation turned to our game and despite the hype about an easy win for The North London side, we were both not so sure and fancied The Lads to take it by the odd goal. Things took a backward step at that moment as Larsson scored a screamer from a free kick to draw the Makems level. With the training going well we enjoyed another moment of hilarity as Clattermole missed from two yards out with a header. This part of the day ending perfectly with another skilful demonstration from Van Persie this time from a free kick every bit as good if not better than that scored by Larsson. On the final whistle knowing 5under1and were now fourth bottom we headed off to the ground.

Entry to the ground was very similar to that of the Blackburn game and did make me think was the attendance going to be similar. The game was being televised so many may have decided not to bother again despite the unbeaten tag and quality of the opposition.

Now inside the ground we took time out to see what the team sheet revealed. As expected APee retained the same line up as for the victory against Wolves, although the bench this time included Davide Santon and Danny Gosling along with the returning Stroller.

Leazes was sitting two rows behind me for this game and we both commented as we made our way to our seats about the empty spaces in the away section. Spurs travelling support is decent but it was obvious it was no sell out. That said there is still a large number of Toon supporters yet to return to SJP.

The game kicked off with The Mags attacking the Leazes End. Spurs playing a 4 5 1 formation with Adebayor up front as the lone striker and a five man midfield comprising of Bale, Modric, Parker, Van de Vaart and Livermore. This was always going to make it difficult against our central pairing of Mr T and Cabaye the Lad and so it proved as the first half proceeded. To be honest it was not great to watch although from a tactical perspective was fascinating as the Toons midfielders worked tirelessly to chase down Modric who was pulling all the strings for Spurs as his colleagues used the entire width of SJP to try and gain an advantage. Tiote was proving awesome and at times appeared to be everywhere across the pitch. Bale showed flashes down the right but did not appear as threatening as had been predicted, Raylor and Jonas working in tandem to stifle the Welshman. Both teams were also guilty of some sloppy play giving the ball away quite a bit and the defensive midfield pair of Tiote and Parker winning most of the battles for the respective sides.

With five minutes to go to half time Cabaye was caught in possession and that allowed Adebayor to advance towards the goal area. Saylors attempt to stop the big man proving too little too late as his poor challenge caused the big fellow to hit the deck. From where I was in the ground it looked as if Adebayor had dived and to a degree for a while I though that was the case. Referee Lee Probert taking what seemed like an age to make his mind up, before finally pointing to the spot for a penalty kick. The decision almost lost in the chorus of boos from the terraces. Much to his credit Van de Vaart calmly slotting home the kick for the opening goal and a one nil lead for Spurs.

As you would expect most of the talk at half time involved the penalty decision and would or could The Lads come back from going a goal down. Also at the break, former Toon players Olivier Bernard, John Beresford and Les Ferdinand came on for a Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame presentation.

If the first half had been a slow burner, the second got off to a blazing start. With barely three minutes gone on the clock The Toon drew level. Demba Ba getting his fifth goal of the season following a sensational mazy run from Jonas that left the Spurs defence in tatters. The crowd went ballistic and now it was game on at one all.

The second half became a much more even affair with The Toon midfield giving as good as they got from Spurs, although both sides were still guilty on occasions of giving the ball away cheaply. Bale had for some reason or other now moved across to the left hand side to run at Danny Simpson. I could only surmise this was because he had no joy from attacking the dynamic duo of Jonas and Raylor. Mr T and Parker were still going at it like two prizefighters in midfield in a no holds barred contest.

With just under twenty minutes played of the second half Harry Redknapp decided to sacrifice a midfielder for another forward and revert to a 4 4 2 formation in an attempt to win the game, with Defoe coming on for goal scorer Van de Vaart. Five minutes later that decision looked inspired as Defoe picked up a loose ball and fired in a snap left foot shot to make it two one to the visitors.

Three minutes late APee made his changes in a double substitution of Ba/Best for Stroller/Ben Arfa.

The game was real end-to-end stuff now and the crowd were roaring Newcastle on to get back on level terms. To add further excitement APee withdrew Danny Simpson to give Davide Santon his debut from off the bench. The Italian Stallion slotting in at right back looking composed, playing neat and tidy as Bale drifted out of the game. However, Defoe continued to look sharp right to the end and with the Mags defence needing to keep on their toes as Krul stood up big to defy the small striker from getting his second and possible match winner.

Yet the culminating moment of this game came from a much-maligned player who IMO no matter what many supporters may think of him is destined to become a Cult Hero. Step up to the plate Shola ‘Stroller’ Ameobi! This big fellow on his day can be the most annoying player there is to watch in a Black and White shirt. Looking completely useless one minute he can then do something quite unexpected which belies what you have already seen hence becoming a real hand full for any defence. Such was his goal against Spurs. Stroller quite simply tormented Bassong and Co for the last twenty minutes of this game with his physical presence. Ben Arfa was doing all the clever bits and Stroller dragging the defenders everywhere. As the clock reached eighty-six minutes and with The Toon Army in full voice screaming the team forward Stroller gave us all a wonderful moment. Brushing off his marker as though not there he moved into the box and struck as sweet a left foot shot past Friedel as you could wish to see. SJP erupted and the roar could have been heard all the way down the M1 to North London where the Makems were possibly still busy drowning their sorrows.

With both teams, still looking for a winner, it finally ended two all, but not before Defoe had his chance and Colo put one wide of the post at The Gallowgate End.

After that second half display I was left exuberant, breathless and with a sore throat in desperate need of a beer. Much credit goes to both teams and managers for serving up an old-fashioned game.

Positives………….they just continue to come. If this was the first real test of our season so far against Spurs then The Lads passed with flying colours. The Toon did not win, however they did not lose either when many expected them to do so. APee is making the right calls at the right time and the players are responding. The spirit and self-belief among the players is infectious and now building tangibly among the support.

Negatives...................The empty seats!

One final thing………. seeing Cabaye standing on his own at the end of the match, shirt off looking at the Gallowgate corner and applauding the crowd as they left will stick with me for a long time. The guy just did not want to leave the field, despite not having his best game for us, but never ever once, did he hide or stop running for the cause. That will more than do for me………….

Next up Wigan at Home...............can’t wait!

CWL

One thing is certain mate you should be a journalist your report is not just good it is brilliant, and is worthy of far better than this forum, keep it up.

ATB(almost forgot)!!

Plus 1. Pretty much as I saw it on TV but without the atmosphere. With regard to the penalty decision, Taylor admitted in a TV interview that he tripped Adebayor - we'll never know why the referee hesitated.

[Deleted]

He hesitated because he was looking for a signal from the fatman as to whether his bet was still standing..... as a result of a penalty.......got the nod because fatman had his money on the score draw......simples Fairsy.........roll on the 21st...is CWL laying on the hula hula girls like last time?

[Ann1]

I'll dust down my grass skirt Canny!! ;D Excellent match report CWL, you should be writing for the Chron. The first half was a bit boring, but I woke up after half time!! Watched it on the computer, great picture, just need a lead to hook it up to the telly. Ameobi is in a class of his own, he seems to wander around looking useless, then suddenly pulls a goal out of the bag, brilliant!!